On Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, the Boston Celtics (3-5) are playing the Miami Heat (6-1) at FTX Arena. As of yet, the Celtics are 3-5 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA regular season, whereas the Heat are 6-1 against the spread. BetUS odds are available below.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat odds, predictions, picks and game preview
Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: FTX Arena; Miami, Florida
TV channels: Bally Sports Sun, NBA League Pass, NBA TV, NBC Sports Boston
Radio broadcast: WAXY/WAQI, WROR
Live stream: Amazon Prime Video (30-day free trial), NBC Sports Boston
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index: Heat have a 75.8% chance of winning
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat news
Referencing Land of Basketball statistics, based on 126 regular season games played all-time between these two Eastern Conference teams, the Celtics are 76-50 versus the Heat. However, in the last three head-to-head meetings, Miami is 2-1 against Boston. On May 11, 2021, the last time these contenders faced off, the Heat won 129-121 at TD Garden. Now, Miami is also 7-3 in the team’s past 10 head-to-head contests.
Next, the top story for Thursday night’s game pertains to Boston’s early struggles. But, the C’s did have a decent performance versus the Magic on Wednesday. In their 92-79 win at Amway Center, they allowed the fewest points in three years and fewest field goals in six years. After the game, Jaylen Brown told reporters, “We didn’t start the season the way we would have liked to, but we have a sense of urgency to try to get back to where we want to be.”
Our fewest points allowed in 3 years.
Our fewest field goals allowed in 6 years.
Defense was the emphasis heading into Game 1 of our road trip, and it showed.https://t.co/JnWufjM4GI
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 4, 2021
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat betting odds and lines
Sportsbook: BetUS
Over/Under: 214.5
Point spread: Heat -6.5 (-110)
Best moneyline: Celtics +220, Heat -260
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat injury report
Celtics: No reported injuries
Heat: SG Victor Oladipo (out indefinitely) | PF KZ Okpala (questionable) | SF Max Strus (out)
Heat injury report for tomorrow’s home game vs. Celtics:
Marcus Garrett (G League), Max Strus (knee) and Victor Oladipo ruled out. KZ Okpala (ankle) is questionable.
Bam Adebayo is not on the injury report.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) November 3, 2021
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat preview
Furthermore, in the Celtics’ 92-79 road win over the Magic on Wednesday, guard Jaylen Brown scored a team-high 28 points in 32 minutes played. Forward Jayson Tatum ended his performance with 14 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 34 minutes on the court. In the third quarter alone, the C’s outscored the Magic 31 to 10. Short-range shooting was the difference-maker in this matchup.
Upon further review of the box-score game statistics, Boston shot 33-for-79 (41.8%) from the field and 10-for-37 (27%) from three-point range. This was a much-needed win for the Celtics, considering they were on a three-game losing streak. Until Wednesday, their previous win was on Oct. 25, when they defeated the Hornets 140-129 on the road. While the team remains winless at home, they are now 3-2 away this season.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, in the Heat’s 125-110 road victory over the Mavericks, guard Tyler Herro led Miami in scoring, finishing his night with 25 points in 35 minutes of action. Guard Jimmy Butler also contributed 23 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 33 minutes spent on the court. Stemming from excellent shooting accuracy, Miami is statistically the best team in the Eastern Conference.
In addition to outscoring their opponents in the paint, the Heat are nailing their shots everywhere across the court. Against Dallas, they shot 43-for-83 (51.8%) from the floor and 13-for-25 (52%) from behind the arc. Of course, the Heat scored 46 points in the second quarter, but they allowed 32 points as well. For the good news, they can outscore practically every team they play. The team is 3-0 at home and on a five-game winning streak.
Projected starting lineup:
Celtics: PG Marcus Smart | SG Jaylen Brown | SF Jayson Tatum | PF Al Horford | C Robert Williams
Heat: PG Kyle Lowry | SG Duncan Robinson | SF Jimmy Butler | PF P.J. Tucker | C Bam Adebayo
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat prediction
Moreover, the total for tonight’s intraconference matchup is set at 214.5. According to the spread consensus, 79% of gamblers are projecting the Heat will cover the spread at home. Regarding the point total consensus, 52% of bettors are expecting the total to go over 214.5. Currently, the Celtics are 3-3 as selected favorites and 0-2 as underdogs this season, while the Heat are 4-1 as favorites and 2-0 as underdogs. The C’s could win, but the Heat adding to their win streak is inevitable. This is why they’re 6.5-point favorites.
For helpful betting trends, the Celtics are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games. Plus, the team is 6-14 straight up in their past 20 contests. And, Boston is 3-7 SU in the team’s previous 10 matches played against Miami. Though, the Celtics are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games played at FTX Arena, and the total has gone over in seven of their past 10 games played against Southeast Division opponents.
As for the Heat, they are 5-0 ATS in their previous five contests. Also, the total has gone under in four of their last six games. And, the total has gone under in four of the team’s past five games played versus Eastern Conference opponents. Lastly, Miami is 9-0 SU in the team’s previous nine games played against Atlantic Division opponents. Therefore, pick the Heat to win and they will cover the spread.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat betting pick
Pick the Heat to win at home, they will cover the spread and the total will go over 214.5. Miami is a 6.5-point favorite with BetUS.
